Good morning, Nigel and Ann. A bouquet of images borrowed for your comfort:

Here in Maine this first day of Spring is covered by several inches of snow. Even so, it is Spring Many of your friends here may seem as far away as Spring seems to us, yet we are sending love, patience, and joy for the time you've had with your Jane.

Just a brief up date as several have asked via PM and e-mail.......The Aronesp shots are not working all that well and after 2 pints 2 weeks ago I may need 2 more by next week. So next week I am also scheduled to start on the Vidaza. Its is also used for chemo but also works on the Myeloplastic Dysplasia, a pre-Leukemia condition. I'm hoping for good result although it may take awhile to do the job.

As my hemoglobin count drops below 8.0 I really begin to feel it as it makes the blood less able to carry the oxygen to the the lungs. There are a couple of strange side effects that kick in as well when the hemo drops. I look forward to whatever good the Vidaza brings in raising the hemo level and reducing the need for transfusions. The need to be in Columbus for a week for the Vidaza shots daily I do not look forward to but we'll see what we can do to change that at a later date.

Next week I may be posting less or more....hard to tell...LOL....depends on how I sleep at Connie's house and how tired I am if I don't ! LOL.......Altogether though, it could be a whole lot worse so hold me a good thought and I will do the same for all of you.

Nigel and Ann......You are of course first and foremost in my mind and in the hearts and minds of most of this group. I don't make that up nor do they just say that here. You know those PM's and e-mails I mentioned? ALL, repeat ALL of those folks said it too, ie., "the first thread I open" which is a common comment of many. Much Love.........

Thanks for the update, UPSpaw. Been thinking about you a bunch and telling myself there is no use worrying. Hope you rest well and sleep dreamlessly while staying with Connie. Just glad you don't have to try to make that drive back and forth everyday or fork over the dough for a week at a motel and bad food. Maybe take a Jacqui shawl with you to wrap up in as a reminder, when the going is particularly rough, of how many are holding you close to our hearts for what comfort that brings?

Hoping for good results. Any idea of how long it will take to know how effective the Vidaza may be in staving off the progression? Love to Karen and the boys also.

Nigel, Ann, Jane and family, as with so many of the rest of the crew - Love, mostly wordless. May our collective love, care and concern feel palpable to you and perhaps contribute to defining a sacred space around you during this time.

As always, wonderful, moving, tender posts. I have returned home for one day. Jane lives on. She sleeps peacefully, pain-free at last (a doctor from the Palliative Care Team told me that it is much harder for them to get pain under control with younger patients). There are moments when she will open her eyes & seem to be aware that there are familiar faces around the bed. There has been an average of ten Family Members sitting vigil, taking turns in groups of two or three. No set times, each group stays for as long as they choose, but all the time mindful that we don't want Jane to be left alone. We talk to her a lot & Jane does make minute facial gestures that could indicate she is hearing us (based on the knowledge that the auditory senses are the last to go). Nevertheless, real or imagined, this is a comfort. Jane's 'Sleep of Sleeps' is now entering it's fifth day. As I sit typing, I expect the 'phone to ring any moment....but it doesn't. I want to respond personally to all your posts, not just yet, but as soon as I can manage. It would appear we still have some shallows & narrows to navigate first. With Continuing Love to You All & Special Love & thoughts for Spaw, Nigel & Ann. xxxxxxxxxx

as Pete says, do try to rest, not easy I know, we are all here, wrapping you in a warm blanket of love, Ann and Jane also. Take comfort that Jane is peaceful and in no pain and is enveloped in all the love your wonderful family are protecting her with. God bless you all,

Agreeing with gnu. As I and many have told you, now is not the time to be concerned with anything but your needs, including the need to spend as much time with Jane as you can. We're keeping watch and will be here whenever you need us.

I'll be at a workshop, singing all day, and I will offer my song up to you and Ann and Jane and Spaw and Kat and all who have been keeping this warm, nurturing, blanket-fortified ship afloat.

This long waiting now weighs heavy- sacred burden that will bless As the loved ones watch her leaving, sailing off into the West. Sleepless nights within this dreamtime shape the end of many dreams, And the music of the living traces nighttime's salty streams.

It is love that makes this journey. It is love that finds the way. And the arms of friends and family lift the light of this new day. Gone the pain- and soon, the worry. Feet dance lightly on the sea, While the songs of those in witness light the dark so we can see.